Nathaniel Frank

Simmons

affectionately known as "Billy" or "Nat", was born December 9, 1938 to Arnold John Simmons and Juanita Marie (Pickens) Simmons in New York City. He is the oldest of three sons, and was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Ronald Simmons.

Nat was raised in NYC, educated in the New York City Public Schools and graduated from George Washington High School. Throughout his early education Nat became friends with several boys and developed a bond so strong that they formed a band and in high school they formally named themselves The Delmonts! The Delmonts remained lifelong friends, served as uncles to each other's children, and continued to be a positive light in their communities and to each other. Nat now joins the brothers who preceded him in death but their love for each other lives on through their families. AD INFINITA

Also, while in high school, Nat became a big brother when Arnold and Ronald were born! And little did he know that God ordained for him to meet his future wife, Wilbert ("Butche") when she came to babysit the twins! Some of their early dates were spent babysitting his brothers, which provided time for their friendship and love to develop. Nat and Butche's relationship flourished, and they were married on May 15, 1960, at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church by Rev. Monrow Wall.From this union, their only daughter, Natalie Fran was born in 1969.

Nat continued his education at Brooklyn College to study Pharmacy but later switched to Pace University to study business. While attending college, Nat answered the call to serve in the armed forces, in the New York Army National Guard, 2nd Battalion in 1956. While in the National Guard, he completed officer candidate school in August 1961 and was Honorably Discharged in 1964 as a 2nd Lieutenant.

Nat was always a hard worker and had a variety of work experiences. His early roles were with IBM, AM International(as a sales representative) for 20 years, and the City of New York in the Bureau of Vital Statistics where he retired after 30 plus years. Nat was always busy, and continued working in various areas, such as auto sales, printing, insurance, and most recently as a personal assistant at a law firm.

Nat first came to Mt. Calvary Baptist Church at the age of 7 and formally joined as a member in 1952, surrendering his life to the Lord at 14. He was a faithful member, served as an usher as well as worked tirelessly on the scholarship, pulpit search and building expansion committees, where he and his masonic members participated in the cornerstone laying ceremony for the new side of the church! Nat was ordainedand confirmed as a Deacon in 1981 where he served faithfully until his death.

Nat followed his father, Arnold's footsteps and became a Mason in 1965, raised in the Mt. Mohab #10 lodge. Eventually he transferred to Lebanon #50 and then transferred to Mt. Moriah #26. Nat was also a member of the Hiram Grand Lodge, where he served in several capacities including Grand Master from 1990 to 1995. Nat was a dedicated member, which was demonstrated by his desire to continually develop his knowledge of freemasonry and membership in additional lodges throughout his adult life.

On January 21, 1992, Most Worshipful Nathaniel F. Simmons, Hiram Grand Lodge, organized The Brotherhood of Grand Lodges in the City of New York, State of New York. Twelve Grand Masters representing Twelve Grand Lodges formed The Brotherhood of Grand Lodges.

With Purpose of Mind and Desire of Heart to Foster the True Aims and Grand Design of Freemasonry and to Promote Unity and Esprit through the Benevolent Ideals of Friendship –Fellowship – Fraternity.  Thereby assuring the Preservation, Expansion, and General Advancement of the Cooperation – Respect – Assistance – Fellowship and Trust.

The Brotherhood of Grand Lodges would hold their Annual Joint St. John's Day Service at LaGree Baptist Church, New York City.

In 1995, Brother Nathaniel F. Simmons assisted the Honorable Clyde Shepard, Grand Master – Palmetto Grand Lodge of South Carolina in organizing The Brotherhood of Grand Lodges, State of South Carolina. Five Grand Lodges came together to form The Brotherhood of Grand Lodges in South Carolina.

Nathaniel was elected President General of the General Grand Masonic Congress, USA, serving from 2006 – 2015, and later Emeritus status in recognition of his over 60 years of dedicated service of Friendship, Fellowship and Fraternity.

Nat is survived by his loving wife, Wilbert Lee ("Butche"), his daughter, Natalie Fran (Anthony), two granddaughters, Kiara Alexandra and Raven Nicole, his brother Arnold Simmons (Sylvia), his aunt Elizabeth "Lizzie" Walker-Holly, and a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and friends.

Lovingly Submitted by the Family

In lieu of flower donations can be to the following organizations:

* Donation checks should be payable to the Monroe Wall Memorial Scholarship Fund of Mt Calvary Baptist Church, 231 W.

142nd St., NY, NY 10030 or zelled to "mcbc231@gmail.com" with a reference to the scholarship fund in honor of NF Simmons.

* For ALL Charitable donations, (Tax Deductible) such as:

Feed The Hungry.
Toy Drive.
DFM Scholarship (Tickets, Journal ads, Book Grants,
Scholarships, Lodge libations, etc.)
Monies should be directed to the Frat Soc acct, payable to:

* MW Hiram Grand Lodge Fraternal Societies Inc. the Zelle is: "MWHGLFratSoc501@qmail.com"